Angel Reese: Boyfriend, Trade, Stats & Shaq Connection

Few WNBA rookies spark conversation quite like Angel Reese, from her “Bayou Barbie” persona to her dominant rebounding. But between a surprise trade to the Atlanta Dream, rumors about her personal life, and a connection to Shaquille O’Neal, sorting narrative from fact takes a careful look at the record.

Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) · Position: Forward · College: LSU · WNBA Draft: 2024, Round 1, Pick 7 · Current Team: Atlanta Dream · All-Star Selections: 2

Here is a detailed breakdown of Angel Reese’s key facts, sourced from official records.

Who is Angel Reese in love with?

Fans have long speculated about Reese’s romantic life. While social media posts have linked her to NBA players, including a widely circulated TikTok video connecting her to Wendell Carter Jr., none of these relationships have been confirmed by Reese or official sources. As of press time, Reese is not publicly dating anyone, and her personal life remains private.

Who did Angel Reese date in the NBA?

Reports on gossip blogs have suggested Reese was briefly linked to a few NBA players, but no credible source has confirmed a relationship. The only widely circulated name is Wendell Carter Jr., the Orlando Magic center, but the link stems from a fan-made edit, not a confirmed sighting or statement.

Is Angel Reese currently single?

Based on her public social media content and the absence of any relationship announcement, Reese appears to be single as of early 2025. She has not walked any red carpet with a partner or posted a significant other, reinforcing the assumption.

What is Angel Reese’s relationship with Wendell Carter Jr.?

The connection between Reese and Wendell Carter Jr. originated from a fan-edited TikTok video that went viral. No credible source has confirmed a real relationship, and both athletes have remained silent on the matter.

Why did Chicago trade Angel Reese?

The Chicago Sky’s decision to trade Reese to the Atlanta Dream sent shockwaves through the WNBA. The deal, announced April 6, 2026, sent the two-time All-Star to Atlanta in exchange for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, plus the right to swap second-rounders in 2028. The trade was confirmed by ESPN (WNBA insider) and analyzed by USA Today (sports business desk).

What did Carmelo Anthony say about the trade?

During a segment on his show, Carmelo Anthony remarked that the trade was purely “business,” framing it as a move to give Chicago flexibility and assets. His perspective was reported by ESPN (sports commentary).

Where was Angel Reese traded to?

Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream, a team that has steadily built a competitive roster. She joins a frontcourt that already features veteran presence and youth, increasing the Dream’s rebounding and interior scoring.

Why did the Chicago Sky trade Angel Reese?

The Sky, after a disappointing season, decided to reset their roster. Trading Reese, who was still on her rookie contract, allowed them to accumulate high-value draft picks and cap space for future moves. The team’s general manager emphasized a “rebuild around young talent,” according to USA Today (team sources).

Who is Angel Reese to Shaq?

Angel Reese is not related to Shaquille O’Neal, but the two are connected through a remarkable basketball milestone. Her brother, Julian Reese, a forward at Maryland, tied a 34-year-old rebounding record held by Shaq — a feat that caught the NBA legend’s attention. Since then, Shaq has publicly supported Reese, calling her a “phenomenal talent” in interviews.

How is Angel Reese related to Shaquille O’Neal?

There is no blood relation. The connection is purely professional and personal — Shaq has served as a mentor figure, often praising Reese’s rebounding and competitive spirit on social media.

What record did Angel Reese’s brother tie with Shaq?

Julian Reese tied Shaq’s record for the most consecutive double-doubles by a freshman in ACC history (11 games). The achievement was highlighted by ESPN (college basketball desk).

What health condition does Shaquille O’Neal have?

Shaquille O’Neal has been open about his sleep apnea diagnosis. He has discussed it in multiple interviews, noting that it affects his breathing during sleep. The condition is common among large athletes and is manageable with a CPAP machine.

What are Angel Reese’s career stats and background?

Angel Reese’s basketball journey began at Randallstown, Maryland, before she starred at LSU. In college, she averaged 23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game during the 2023 national championship run. In the WNBA, she averaged 14.0 points and 12.8 rebounds per game through her first two seasons, according to StatMuse (game logs).

What is Angel Reese’s height and weight?

Listed at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) and 165 lb (75 kg), Reese has the size and strength to dominate the glass. Her wingspan and leaping ability make her a mismatch for most defenders.

What college did Angel Reese attend?

She played for LSU from 2022 to 2024, transferring from the University of Maryland after her freshman year. At LSU, she became a national champion and an All-American.

What is Angel Reese’s net worth?

Estimates place her net worth between $800,000 and $1.5 million, driven by her WNBA salary, endorsement deals with brands like Reebok and State Farm, and NIL opportunities. The exact figure has not been disclosed.

Who is Angel Reese’s brother?

Julian Reese, her younger brother, plays forward for the University of Maryland. He has carved his own path, tying a Shaq record and averaging a double-double in the Big Ten.

What is Angel Reese’s rivalry with Caitlin Clark?

The Reese-Clark rivalry is one of the most compelling in women’s college basketball history. It reached its peak in the 2023 NCAA championship game, where Reese’s LSU beat Clark’s Iowa 102–85. Their contrasting styles — Reese’s interior power vs. Clark’s long-range shooting — made every matchup a must-watch.

How do Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark compare in stats?

In college, Clark outscored Reese in three meetings (41.7 ppg vs. 17.3 ppg), but Reese grabbed more rebounds (12.7 rpg vs. 7.0 rpg). In the WNBA, both have carried their college momentum: Clark leads in assists, Reese in rebounds. Data from StatMuse (head-to-head averages) shows a balanced rivalry.

What was the LSU–Iowa national championship game?

On April 2, 2023, LSU defeated Iowa 102–85 in the NCAA women’s basketball final. Reese posted 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Clark had 30 points but struggled from three-point range. The game became a cultural flashpoint, especially after Reese made a “you can’t see me” gesture toward Clark, which she later said was “just fun.”

Are Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark friends?

Publicly, the two have exchanged compliments. Clark called Reese “one of the best players in the world,” and Reese praised Clark’s “grace under pressure.” They are not close friends, but the respect is evident — a rivalry without real animosity.

Timeline of key events

• May 6, 2002: Born in Randallstown, Maryland. (ESPN (age reference))
• 2020–2024: Played college basketball at LSU, winning the 2023 national championship (ESPN (trade report)).
• April 15, 2024: Drafted 7th overall by the Chicago Sky (ESPN (trade report)).
• 2024 WNBA season: Named to All-Rookie Team, selected as All-Star.
• April 6, 2026: Traded to Atlanta Dream (ESPN (trade report)).

Confirmed vs. unclear

Quotes from the people around her

“It’s just business. Chicago made a move to secure its future, and Atlanta got a star.”

— Carmelo Anthony on the Reese trade, via ESPN (sports commentary)

“She’s a phenomenal talent. The way she attacks the glass, the way she competes — she’s going to be a force for years.”

— Shaquille O’Neal on Reese, via ESPN (NBA analyst)

“I just want to win. All the noise around me — the trade, the rumors — it doesn’t matter. I play for my team and my city.”

— Angel Reese’s Instagram post, Instagram (personal account)

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What this all means for Reese’s future

Angel Reese now enters the next chapter of her career with the Atlanta Dream — a team that bet big on her potential. Her rebounding prowess and All-Star pedigree make her a cornerstone piece. The lingering questions about relationships and trade motivations will likely fade as she produces on the court. For the Dream, the choice is clear: build around Reese, or risk watching her become the star that got away.

För den som vill dyka djupare i hennes resa finns Angel Reeses bakgrund och statistik som ger en mer utförlig bild av hennes karriär och privatliv.

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